Things to Do in Savannah — Southern Charm Included

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Established as a colony in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, Savannah seems to come from a more genteel time, with its antebellum mansions and peaceful public squares. But while this Southern charmer is chock full of fascinating history, its dining and hotel scenes are definitely not stuck in the past, as chefs are putting modern spins on Southern classics. If you're planning a visit, here are the best things to do in Savannah.

What to Do in Savannah

One of the most popular things to do in Savannah is to take a walk through some of its famous squares, public parks that offer a spot of shade on a steamy Georgia day. There are 22 in all, and some of the most beautiful include Madison, with its centuries-old live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, and Monterey, lined with historic buildings, including the Mercer Williams House. The house is said to be haunted — a man was killed there in 1981, and the tragic tale inspired the best-seller, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

The Mercer-Williams House Museum

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You could easily spend a day touring Savannah's many historic homes and museums, including the Mercer William. Many people gravitate to the Owens-Thomas House, one of the country's finest Regency residences (the Marquis de Lafayette once delivered a speech here), and at the nearby Isaiah Davenport House, which has interesting architectural detailing such as a rare elliptical staircase, you can take walk in the private garden.

Another top thing to do in Savannah is to take the hop-on/hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour. It's a convenient way to explore the historic district, especially bustling River Street, which runs parallel to the Savannah River. The street is lined with former 19th-century cotton warehouses, which have been transformed into restaurants, shops, and bars. Be sure to stop into Savannah's Candy Kitchen, for delicious pecan pralines, peanut brittle, fudge, and other sweet treats.

Savannah's Candy Kitchen

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Where to Stay in Savannah

The B Historic Savannah (from $229 per night, hotels.com), is a stylish boutique hotel just a few blocks from all the main attractions within the historic district (plus, it's down the block from lesser-known Pulaski Square, with pretty flowering shrubs and stately live oaks). Before heading out for the night, have a cocktail in the bar — the mixologists are some of the best in town.

Housed in a historic redbrick and terra-cotta mansion, the Mansion on Forsyth Park (from $203 per night, expedia.com), is one of Savannah's most upscale inns. It has a fabulous art collection, which is on display in the rooms and public spaces, including the elegant 700 Drayton Restaurant and the intimate Bosendorfer Lounge (great for a nightcap).

Mansion on Forsyth Park

The Kessler Collection

The Kimpton Brice Hotel (from $154 per night, priceline.com), on the historic district's eastern edge, has a small pool, a complimentary evening wine hour, and the lively Pacci Italian Kitchen + Bar. From the hotel, it's a five-minute walk to The Pirates' House, said to be the oldest building in Georgia — and also said to be haunted (while you're in town, an evening ghost tour is definitely recommended!).

Kimpton Brice Hotel

Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group

Where to Eat in Savannah

Dining-wise, one of the top things to do in Savannah is to have a meal at The Olde Pink House, which is open for both lunch and dinner. Forget the diet and order the buttermilk fried chicken and mac 'n' cheese, along with a side of collard greens and some sweet tea. The small, wood-paneled downstairs bar, is another space that's said to be haunted, so beware!

The Grey is housed in a former art deco Greyhound bus station dating from 1938, which has been beautifully restored — the waiting room is now the stylish bar and the dining room has a U-shaped dining counter. Nosh on a series of small plates (fried oysters, slow-cooked lamb roti), from chef Mashama Bailey, and sip classic cocktails served in vintage glassware.

The Grey

Emily Andrews

Kitchen 320, the restaurant in the B Historic Hotel, is attracting notice due to Georgia-born executive chef William Herrington's fresh takes on southern dishes. The menu features items like sweet tea chicken wings, Georgia white shrimp with Cane Water Farms grits, and pan-fried flounder served with roasted sweet-corn succotash (and don't miss the delish homemade biscuits).

Kitchen 320 at B Historic Savannah

B Hotels & Resorts

Savannah's River Street has plenty of bars for a fun night out. Kick back at Wet Willie's, serving a dozen types of frozen daiquiris, with over-the-top names like Monster Melon and Attitude Improvement. Foe a more sedate scene, check out the rooftop bar at the Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, overlooking the Savannah River. And a charming little spot for a pint of ale is the Six Pence Pub, a British-style taproom near Chippewa Square, complete with a red phone booth outside.